Lens for Black Magic Cinema Camera

[Nikolas Bäurle]

I bought a Canon USM II 24-70 mm. The problem is that you can’t set the aperture manually with the BM Cameras. I got some good results outside setting the iris using the pavement, but it does need a greycard for more precision.

I’ve been thinking about the Walimex, Samyang or Rokinon VDSLR lenses, they are very cheap, and the quality is actually very good for the price.

“Always look on the bright side of life” – Monty Python

[Joey Trimmer]

I have a Sigma 17-50mm that I really like and is super affordable with optical stabilization. I may pick up the Tokina 11-16mm as well. Also, check out Rokinon for some more options.

“I’m your density. I mean, your destiny.” – George McFly

[David Mathis]

Follow up question here:

What about auto-focus with EF lens? I will do manual when necessary.

[Nikolas Bäurle]

There’s no auto-focus for EF lenses. You can turn on Focus-Assist , which is very helpul when rack focusing. Whatever turns green on the screen is in focus.

“Always look on the bright side of life” – Monty Python

[Richard Martz]

Well…that is not exactly true. You will have some control over the aperture. The procedure is a little unexpected. Touch the iris button. The camera will “auto iris” to whatever it thinks is ideal. After pressing the iris button, If you want to iris up or down you can do that by pressing the <> buttons at the bottom of the viewfinder to iris up and down.

Really helpful huh. I wish I had known this from the get go.

This is described on page 6 of the manual showing the parts descriptions. You are referred to page 10 for more information. But on page 10 it deals with something else entirely. Go to page 25 and you can actually get some important information about the iris.

Sincerely,
Richard Martz

MagicMartz Media
Atlanta, GA

FCP 7
FCP X
Blackmagic Cinema Camera
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE CC
Premiere Pro
DaVinci Resolve 9.0
MAC 8 core
After Effects
PhotoShop
Illustrator
Sony HD Cameras
24′ Camera Crane with Motorhead
8′ jib arm
20K watts of lighting
Multitrack audio
Teleprompters
Grip Truck/trailer
Location video monitoring
Door and hood mounts
Lots of other Fun Stuff!

[Deleted User]

No auto focus yet, but it’s supposedly coming soon.

Note however, that the AF feature in the forthcoming firmware update will likely operate s-l-o-w-l-y, not fast like in a modern DSLR, and be “momentary” not continuous. So, an occasional convenience, but not hugely so.

See:
https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21179

–

—

https://www.peterdv.com
Blog: https://herefortheweather.wordpress.com

[Richard Martz]

FWIW…I use the 17-70 Sigma Lens. I have a Sigma 17-50 but felt the shorter lens did not offer the flexibility I needed with the shooting I’m doing. I’m also using a Fujinon 17-306MM Par Focal Zoom.

Sincerely,
Richard Martz

MagicMartz Media
Atlanta, GA

FCP 7
FCP X
Blackmagic Cinema Camera
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE CC
Premiere Pro
DaVinci Resolve 9.0
MAC 8 core
After Effects
PhotoShop
Illustrator
Sony HD Cameras
24′ Camera Crane with Motorhead
8′ jib arm
20K watts of lighting
Multitrack audio
Teleprompters
Grip Truck/trailer
Location video monitoring
Door and hood mounts
Lots of other Fun Stuff!

[Nikolas Bäurle]

Thanks, Richard for correcting me, that’s what I get for not reading the manual:-) I was actually confused when I got it and kept on hitting the iris button wondering how to do it stop by stop, then I shrugged it off as having hallucinated it…:-)

“Always look on the bright side of life” – Monty Python

[Richard Martz]

yes…I know…I went through the same thing. I complained to a friend of mine that the iris didn’t work. Then by happenstance I stumbled on the process. So I decided to read the manual entirely. Since they have combined the manuals for several cameras it can be a bit confusing as to what does what. But keep reading and eventually the clouds will part and you will reach enlightenment. If you stumble on any tricks be sure to post them on Creative Cow so we can all benefit. Onward!

Sincerely,
Richard Martz

MagicMartz Media
Atlanta, GA

FCP 7
FCP X
Blackmagic Cinema Camera
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE CC
Premiere Pro
DaVinci Resolve 9.0
MAC 8 core
After Effects
PhotoShop
Illustrator
Sony HD Cameras
24′ Camera Crane with Motorhead
8′ jib arm
20K watts of lighting
Multitrack audio
Teleprompters
Grip Truck/trailer
Location video monitoring
Door and hood mounts
Lots of other Fun Stuff!

[David Mathis]

Thank you. I would also like to see higher frame options available, if at all possible. Camera just arrived the other day and so far it is smooth sailing.